Convert 40 Centimeters to Meters: Basic Metric Conversion

Metric Conversion with Division by 100

Convert to meters:
40 40 cm

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Convert to meters:
40 40 cm

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's convert the measurement from centimeters to meters by following these steps:

  • Identify the given measurement: 40 40 cm.
  • Recall the conversion factor: 1 1 meter = 100 100 centimeters.
  • Apply the conversion factor to convert 40 40 cm into meters by dividing by 100 100 :
    40100=0.4\frac{40}{100} = 0.4 meters.

This calculation shows that 40 40 cm is equivalent to 0.4 0.4 meters.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 0.4 0.4 .

3

Final Answer

0.4 0.4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Conversion Rule: 1 meter equals 100 centimeters always
  • Technique: Divide centimeters by 100: 40÷100=0.4 40 ÷ 100 = 0.4 meters
  • Check: Multiply answer by 100: 0.4×100=40 0.4 × 100 = 40 cm ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Multiplying by 100 instead of dividing
    Don't multiply 40 by 100 = 4,000 meters! This makes the unit larger instead of smaller. Always divide by 100 when converting centimeters to meters because meters are bigger units.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Convert to meters:
\( 40 \) cm

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I divide by 100 instead of multiply?

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Because meters are bigger units than centimeters! When converting to a bigger unit, you need fewer of them. Think of it like trading 100 pennies for 1 dollar - you divide to get the smaller number.

How do I remember which direction to convert?

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Remember: "Centi" means 100. So 1 meter = 100 centimeters. To go from the smaller unit (cm) to the bigger unit (m), you divide by 100.

What if I get a decimal answer?

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Decimal answers are completely normal in metric conversions! 0.4 0.4 meters is the same as saying "4 tenths of a meter" - it's a valid measurement.

How can I check if my answer makes sense?

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Ask yourself: "Should my answer be bigger or smaller?" Since meters are bigger than centimeters, 40 cm should be less than 1 meter, so 0.4 makes perfect sense!

What's the easiest way to do this conversion?

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Just move the decimal point 2 places left! From 40.0 cm, move the decimal: 40.0 → 4.0 → 0.40 meters. This works because dividing by 100 shifts the decimal.

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